“For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for him, since you are going through the same struggle you saw I had, and now hear that I still have.” – Philippians 1:29-30
Who among us enjoys dealing with physical or emotional pain? Or the feeling of spiritual separation from God? And yet in his sermon on the mount, Jesus tells us these sufferings hold incredible value in His kingdom.
But not all suffering is equal. Unbelievers suffer just like believers do. The sort of suffering that holds spiritual value – that is the type of suffering Jesus is referring to.
“Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” – Mathew 5:11-12
The phrases, “Because of me” and “in the same way they persecuted the prophets” clearly identifies the spiritual side of suffering that Jesus is referencing.
“If you are truly my disciples, the world is going to hate you. Remember, they hated me first. If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. But you don’t belong to the world… I chose you. I called you. You belong to me. If they persecuted me, then they will surely persecute you.” – John 15:18-20
Our worldly culture today cannot comprehend why anyone would lean in and embrace suffering. In fact, it is vehemently opposed to such an absurd concept that doesn’t offer immediate gratification. Suffering? No thanks!
Thus the dichotomy of spiritual suffering. Because God’s ways are completely countercultural, the world naturally wants no part of it. That’s not to suggest that the world doesn’t suffer. Just by its sinful nature alone there is promised suffering.
But as Christians we are encouraged to look at suffering through a completely different lens. James tells us, “Consider it pure joy, brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds.” (James 1:2) And here in Philippians, Paul seems to be following that same pattern of thinking. “For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for him.“
Paul makes it sound like Christ has given us the opportunity to suffer on his behalf, as though it is a valuable gift. And that is because for Christians, He has.
But note what Paul isn’t saying. He’s not suggesting that we go out of our way to search for suffering. If we are truly disciples of Christ, we don’t have to go looking for it; it will surely find us. And when suffering does come, it’s not just something we’re expected to merely tolerate, but to embrace in the form of sacrifice to Him who sacrificed for us.
I really like what Dr. Brian Koning (theology professor at Grand Canyon University) has to say about the value of suffering.
“Suffering causes our focus to turn inward, to face those parts of ourselves we might otherwise ignore. God can use suffering then to develop us into better people: the people who can love and enjoy Him forever.”
So as we go through our day today, may we not forget how Christ suffered so much for us. And should some of us find ourselves in the midst of suffering, may we rejoice in knowing that it can be used as a testimony to God’s grace and power to others, and ultimately developing us and bringing us closer to Christ, our Lord and Savior. Amen.
Former Blackout Artist 